Bahrain: Al Hazza rallies to a fine victory

Gulf-daily-news.com

May 06, 2012

ISA Al Hazza was a surprise winner in the Season Ending Endurance Horse Ride Championship yesterday.

Some of Bahrain's elite riders competed in this 120-km night ride, which was held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir. But it was the Royal Endurance Team who dominated the show, securing a 1-2 finish as they lived up to their top billings.

Riding Garibha, Al Hazza completed the five-stage ride on top in five hours, 21 minutes and 31 seconds and with a 22-km per hour average speed.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Royal Endurance Team captain, followed his teammate in second place on Warraba in 5:38:09 and with an average speed of 21-km per hour.

Sultan Salim Al Hadhrami, representing Al Asayel Stable, rounded off the podium by coming third on Sche in 5:49:40 and with a 20-km per hour average speed.

The Royal Endurance Team riders headed into the concluding event of the season as favourites.

Indeed they lived up to many expectations as team member Ahmed Abdulla led the 30-km first stage in 1:13:27.

Closely

He was closely followed by Mohammed Abdulsamad (1:17:19) of Al Khalidia Stable and Shaikh Nasser (1:18:00) in second and third places, respectively.

Shaikh Nasser then moved up to top spot at the end of the second stage, which was also over 30 kms in 1:18:31.

The Royal Endurance Team skipper completed the stage ahead of Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa (1:19:07) of Ahmed Al Fateh Stable, who came second, while Al Hazza (1:19:26) was third.

In the 20-km third stage, Shaikh Nasser extended his lead to 54 minutes and four seconds, while Shaikha Najla (52:56) and Al Hazza (52:54) maintained second and third position, respectively.

Shaikh Nasser held on to his solid lead after finishing the fourth and penultimate stage, which also covered 20 kms in just 57:33 minutes.

Al Hazza (57:39) climbed into second place, followed by Shaikha Najla (1:01:48), who slipped to third

Shaikha Najla, however, was eliminated from the race after failing to pass the veterinary examination after the fourth stage.

Excitement mounted in the 20-km fifth and final stage as Al Hazza took over the lead from Shaikh Nasser in the final moments to capture the trophy.

The prize-presentation ceremony took place at the endurance village right after the race.

It was attended by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who honoured the top three riders.

Shaikh Khalid also presented certificates of recognition to members of the veterinary commission in appreciation of their efforts in making the event an all-round success.

Veterinarians from Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman were part of the organising committee. The commission has nine members, headed by president Dr Yassine Motemri of Tunisia.

Other members are Mohammed Al Hammad, Mohammed Al Daen, Kuldip Kuhad, Zahid Rafiq, Ebrahim Yousif, Sabah Al Kabie, Abu Obaidah Yacoob and Abdelrahman Abu Shook.

Great Britain: Golden Horseshoe incentive for Exmoor ponies

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on May 06, 2012 in Just Briefly

A special prize is on offer for Exmoor ponies taking part in next weekend’s Golden Horseshoe Endurance Ride.

World-famous physiotherapist Mary Bromiley has offered a £100 prize to the first Exmoor pony and rider to complete 50 miles in one day.

Ride Organiser Barbara Wigley said it was hoped that there would be Exmoor ponies competing in the 80km advanced class for the first time this year.

“If no-one completes the course, the £100 prize will be carried over until next year,” she said...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/05/06/golden-horseshoe-incentive-for-exmoor-ponies/

Great Britain: Rain no barrier to Golden Horseshoe endurance ride

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on May 04, 2012 in Focus

Despite wet weather forcing the cancellation of many equestrian events in Britain this season, the country’s most famous endurance ride will go ahead as planned.

Organisers of this year’s Golden Horseshoe Ride have alternate routes planned should sections of the track become too wet.

The event, on Exmoor from May 13 to 15, has the usual combination of hills, moorland, firm tracks and river crossings.

“Despite the fact that we’ve had all this rain, the moor is actually in reasonable condition at the moment,” Ride Organiser Barbara Wigley said. “However, the going for the ride depends on what the weather throws at us over the next few days. Exmoor will never be too dry, but much more rain could cause problems in some areas.”

Like all endurance events, Golden Horseshoe always puts the horses’ welfare first...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/05/04/rain-no-barrier-to-golden-horseshoe-endurance-ride/

Bahrain: Nocturnal Endurance season concludes tomorrow

BNA.bh

03/05/2012

Manama: May 3—(BNA) Under the auspices of the Royal Equestrians and Endurance Race Federation's President His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the 120 km-long final nighttime race kick-starts tomorrow (Friday 4th May) at the Bahrain International Endurance Village racecourse.

This 120-km long race is divided into five laps. This is the third race in a row this season preceded by the inaugural qualifications endurance race and HRH the Crown Prince's Cup last month.

On the other hand, cavaliers of the Royal Team and Al-Khalidiya Stables have finished preparations and expressed readiness before the end-of-season competition, asserting their readiness to win the championship cup and to be coroneted in addition to cups they had earlier won this season.

Both teams are anticipated by spectators to ultimately emerge at the forefront of a list of candidates for the fina cup in view of their talented capable riders.

Aust trail a long day's journey into night

Canberratimes.com.au - Full Article John Thistleton
May 3, 2012

On a cold and rainy morning nothing stands as stoic as horses having their blankets lifted from their warm backs on the Bicentennial National Trail.

Steamy warmth envelopes Sam Alexander on the outskirts of Canberra as he tightens a girth strap and steels himself for a wet spongy saddle.

On average, only three people a year finish the 5330-kilometre journey he's on, from one end of eastern Australia to the other.

This is the 24-year-old medical student's first break from text books since high school. Three weeks before getting into the saddle he broke in two bay geldings, Ranger and Laddie who are on the ride with his chestnut mare Marda. Moonlit trails and snowy peaks have led them through lean times in the high country. So they're on a break near Canberra where the horses are regaining weight in a lush paddock at Hall.

Mr Alexander says managing them and understanding their psychology are his biggest challenge.

In brumby country he discovered Marda was in season and ready to push her luck with his portable electric fencing... Read more here:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/aust-trail-a-long-days-journey-into-night-20120502-1xzmd.html

FEI: Proposed Rule Changes for Endurance

Horse-canada.com

May 2 2012
by FEI

The Endurance Round Table session, which shared the final morning of the FEI Sports Forum with the Eventing Round Table, attracted representatives of National Federations (NFs) and veterinarians for discussion on proposed rule changes that will be presented to the FEI General Assembly 2012 in November. Various proposals made by the FEI Endurance Committee were debated before the meeting was opened up for general discussion.

The FEI Technical Committee has undertaken a full review of the present rules for Endurance Riding in the context of the rapid expansion of the discipline worldwide. The major rules changes, dealing with qualification, entries and the composition of championship teams, all received unanimous support from the participants.

Speaking after the session, FEI Director Non-Olympic Sports Ian Williams said: “to change the fundamentals of entries, qualifications and teams is a fantastic step forward.”

The changes involved the introduction of an Elite status for Junior, Young and Senior Athletes, the possibility of bringing spare horses to competitions, and adopting a format that would allow all six members of a squad to contribute to the final team result with the best three scores counting.

Under the proposed new rule, to achieve Junior/Young Rider Elite Athlete Status, athletes must have successfully completed a minimum of 10 CEI 2* 120km events or higher. To maintain this status, they must successfully complete at least one CEI 120km or higher event within every successive 24 months.

Senior Elite Athlete status would be awarded to riders who successfully complete a minimum of 10 CEI 3* 160km events or higher. To maintain Senior Elite Athlete status, Athletes must successfully complete at least one CEI 160 km within every successive 24 months.

FEI Veterinary Delegate Frederic Barrelet (SUI) suggested that, apart from these qualification criteria, any disciplinary action within the 24-month status-maintaining period should be taken into account. The suggestion was taken on board by the Committee.

There was also strong support for changes in the rules relating to establishing the field of play, and the creation of the role of course designer. This new role will have a direct bearing on the level of safety and challenge of the courses.

The FEI Technical Committee also sought feedback on the final horse inspection and whether to change it to make it more spectator friendly.

FEI Endurance Committee Brian Sheehan (AUS) was adamant that horse welfare was not negotiable. “We can’t put public adulation before horse welfare or we can throw our rule book away,” he said. “We should think of ways to make the inspection easier for spectators to understand but we will never compromise our welfare standards.”

The welfare perspective was also to the fore when former Endurance Committee member Jean-Louis Leclerc (FRA) asked for information about what was being done to address the incident of fractures in competition.

Fred Barrelet, one of the FEI’s most senior and experienced 4* vets and head of Veterinary Services for the upcoming FEI World Endurance Championships in Euston Park (GBR), responded to the question. “It is necessary to have assessment and understanding of when and where injuries occur,” he said. “We can then know where the problems are and how they should be addressed. If the rules as they stand are implemented correctly, I am confident that incidents of career limiting and career ending injuries can be reduced back to a low level.”

Ian Williams confirmed that the FEI has been looking into both the causes and prevention of these types of injuries “to ensure that the welfare of the horse is absolutely the central pillar of endurance in the future”. He stated that there is an ongoing review in FEI Headquarters, compiling facts and figures to create the safest possible environment for Endurance horses.

Mr Barrelet also reported that Annamaria Nagy (HUN), based at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket (GBR), is currently doing a PhD on orthopaedic injury rates in Endurance horses globally. This data will also play an important role in the FEI study.

In his wrap-up of the key discussion points, Ian Williams summarised, “The FEI is absolutely aware of the issues that this discipline faces and the rule changes have addressed what issues we can, but we are looking for more information to create a safe environment for our horses to perform in Endurance.”

Endurance Committee chair Ruth Carlson brought the meeting to a close. “Please know that it’s not just in a forum like this that we welcome input,” she said. “If you have a concern, a suggestion, a problem, we want to hear about it. Please get in touch with us. We will take everything seriously and get back to everyone.”

Endurance horse fractures under scrutiny

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on May 03, 2012 in Focus

The incidence of fractures in endurance horses was among the topics discussed at the Endurance Round Table session on the final day of the FEI Sports Forum yesterday in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The subject was raised by former Endurance Committee member Jean-Louis Leclerc (France), who asked what was being done to address the issue.

FEI Director Non-Olympic Sports Ian Williams confirmed that the FEI has been looking into both the causes and prevention of these types of injuries “to ensure that the welfare of the horse is absolutely the central pillar of endurance in the future”.

He stated that there is an ongoing review in FEI Headquarters, compiling facts and figures to create the safest possible environment for Endurance horses.

FEI Veterinary Delegate Fred Barrelet (Switzerland), one of the FEI’s most senior and experienced 4* vets and head of Veterinary Services for the upcoming FEI World Endurance Championships in Euston Park (GB), said it was necessary to have assessment and understanding of when and where injuries occur.

“We can then know where the problems are and how they should be addressed. If the rules as they stand are implemented correctly, I am confident that incidents of career limiting and career ending injuries can be reduced back to a low level..."

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/05/03/endurance-horse-fractures-under-scrutiny/

Belgium - Mont Le Soie Pre Ride

30 April 2012

The two-days preride is now over. Thanks to all participants and their crew, to the volunteers, veterinarians and officials. Thanks to our sponsors.

Winner of the CEI*** 160 km was Oman's Abdula Said Salim Al Siyabi riding Penchab Sully, at an average of 14.303 km/h. Belgium's Maritza Pereira on Bidjanne was second, and Belgiu's Freddy Meurens was third on Marushka Larzac. Belgium's Hemeline Piront riding Alicia d'Havenne won the CEIJY**.

For complete results see:
http://www.endurance-belgium.com/montlesoie-2012/preride.htm

Back to South Africa

Atennant-endurancerider.weebly.com - Full Article

04/30/2012

Goodbye to the friends and family and "hello" South Africa. The Tri Nation's Championship is due to happen on May 18th in the Free State of South Africa. I shall be representing Great Britain as an individualist at this prestigious event, riding one of the horse's from the Perseverance Stud.

I left Britain on 16th April on plane no.1 from Gatwick to Istanbul. However, my flight had a 2 hour delay due to another aircraft having to make an emergency landing at Gatwick. Finally aboard plane no.1 to Istanbul, where upon landing I made a dash through Istanbul airport to my 2nd plane only to find out that also had an hour and half delay. Eventually time ticked by and I was on plane no.2 to Johannesburg. On landing in Johannesburg I had exactly half an hour to disembark the plane, get through passport control, collect my luggage, dash to the other side of the airport to check in and catch my plane. No I never made it in time...

Read more here:
http://atennant-endurancerider.weebly.com/1/post/2012/4/back-to-south-africa.html

Australia: Horse riders reject Green claims

ABC.net.au - Full Article

Posted April 30, 2012

Horse riders have rejected claims that allowing the activity in more national parks in south east New South Wales will devastate the land.

The Greens have slammed the State Government's draft strategy for horse riding in national parks and reserves.

The party says the plan will open up parts of the Wadbilliga and Kosciuszko National Parks to riding, which could spread weeds and damage the landscape.

Endurance rider Fiona Mellor is part of a state advisory council exploring the issue, and says the impacts of horses are minimal.

"We've seen a gradual turnaround in attitude, and a realisation that the so called impacts from horse riders are negligible," she said.

Read more here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-30/horse-riders-reject-green-claims/3979348

Two Saudi showjumpers face Olympic ban

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
27 April, 2012

Two top Saudi showjumpers face being barred from the London Olympics after being accused of using a banned drug on their horses.

Sydney Olympic bronze medallist Khaled Addulaziz Al Eid’s horse Vanhoeve tested positive for phenylbutazone (bute) and oxyphenbutazone at the CSI*** in Riyadh (30 November-3 December 2011).

And Abdullah Al Sharbatly’s ride, Lobster 43, tested positive for the same substances at the CSI*** in Al Ain (9-11 February).

Al Sharbatly won silver at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and both riders were likely to be on the Saudi team for London.

The substances are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and deemed controlled medications under international rules.

The riders appeared before an FEI tribunal on 18 and 19 April, confirmed FEI general counsel Liza Lazarus.

She said tribunal decisions are “generally issued within 30 days of the hearing, but may take longer”.

Of 15 positive dope cases currently being investigated by the FEI, nine involve horses from Arab states — seven in endurance...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/olympics2012/7634/312423.html

Great Britain: Cockley-Adams' double victory

Thisisgloucestershire.co.uk

SEVENHAMPTON endurance rider Janice Cockley-Adams has started the season with two wins in the UK's first two race rides.

An impressive turn of speed saw her head a thrilling gallop for the finish to take the honours in Dorchester's Jubilee Ride, with a winning margin of just one second. The 77km (48 miles) ride was the first race of the 2012 endurance riding season and a perfect sharpener for the UK's first international fixture.

This was the FEI Kings Forest event in Suffolk, where Cockley-Adams was again riding her nine-year-old Arabian mare Serabitibi in the FEI 2 star 120km (75 miles) against a field of 20, including many of the top riders in the country.

"This was Serabitibi's first competition at this distance, so our objective was to secure a completion," she said.

"She rode really strongly and I was delighted with her."

Cockley-Adams' next outing will be at the FEI event in Nottinghamshire on Roxane du Bout du Monde.

Roxane and Janice are shortlisted for the GB team at this year's Endurance World Championships, due to be held in England in August.

Endurance riders head to Belgium

BEF.co.uk

25 April 2012

Members of the Endurance World Class Start and Potential squad (WCSPS) and Young Rider squad will be competing in the FEI2* 120km ride at Mont le Soie in Belgium on the 28th April.

Six members from the WCSPS squad have been selected for the Senior 120km ride in Mont le Soie after good results in the selection ride at Kings Forest last Month. Representing Great Britain are, Caroline Cowley, Jane Greatorex, Alison House, Sue Rich, Rebecca Kinnarney and Jo Malcolm.

Endurance GB, Chair of International, Emma Miller said, "Riders on the WCSPS are there to gain experience, we are looking for them to become qualified for the elite squad and be in contention for a team place in the next few years. Expeditions such as this are designed to give the riders international experience, qualifications for elite level competition and access to the top vets and farriers".

The Young Riders travelling to Belgium to compete as individuals in the Young Riders FEI 2* 120km are, Kate Atkinson, Brett Corcoran, James Dickinson and Louise Rich. Carri-Ann Dark will be taking on the FEI 3* 160km class. This ride is being used as a pre-run for the Endurance Young Rider European Championships to be held in Mont le Soie on the 8th September.

Young Rider Chef d'Equipe, Helen Boston said, "This will be a fact finding expedition ahead of the Europeans in September. We don't want to jeopardise the horses over what is a tough course at this stage so the emphasis is for the riders to complete the course. This year we have a really strong group of Young Riders and we have a good pool of people to select the final team from. This will be the first time competing abroad for Brett and James and they hope to learn a great deal from the experience. Our main goal for this year is for a team medal in September, anything else is a bonus".

British Elite squad member, Tricia Hirst is also competing in the FEI 2* 120km class at Mont le Soie with Valcq Diamond Sparkle.

For more information visit www.endurancegb.co.uk

Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/EnduranceGB or follow @EnduranceGB on Twitter

Australia: In National Squad

Colliemail.com.au - Full Article

RAELENE HESTON
26 Apr, 2012 10:54 AM

“HE’S a tough little horse,” remarked one official, as 13-year-old Arab stallion West Coast Acheron strolled past the finishing line after a 160-kilometre trek through bushland south-east of Collie. His journey had started shortly after a midnight on Friday, following a vet check, and ended between 4.30 and 5pm on Saturday.

The little chestnut had not raised a sweat at the end of his journey around the Collie racecourse and through the bush.

He had been cantering towards the finish when his rider, Norbert Radney, slowed him to a walk.

Another rider explained that coming in quietly would lower his heart rate and help cool him down before the compulsory vet check.

The cool wind would also help, she added.

After the vet check, there were hugs all around when the WA Endurance Riders’ Association honorary veterinarian, Dr Anne Barnes of Murdoch University, announced Acheron and Dr Radney had qualified for the Australian squad to contest the Senior World Endurance Championships at Euston Park near Newmarket in England during August.

Even before Acheron and Dr Radney finished the event, Dr Barnes said they were well within qualifying time so there was no need for Dr Radney to push his mount...

Read more here:
http://www.colliemail.com.au/news/local/news/general/in-national-squad/2535462.aspx

Australia: Endurance Carnival - Toorbul

The 2012 Endurance Carnival will be held on 5, 6, & 7 of May, 2012 at Toorbul, Queensland. It will be a low key event in comparison to the Endurance Festival 2011 due to a very limited number of helpers.

We will endeavour for the weekend to be rewarding and enjoyable for all. Some competitors want to qualify for the 2013 Queensland Quilty, others want to qualify and vie for selection to the World Championships at Euston Park 2012, but for most it's the opportunity to enjoy a day in the saddle with a special horse at your chosen distance.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Peter Toft

For more information, see
http://www.ozenduranceqinc.com/Information-Sheet.html

Australia: Oz Endurance Festival 2011

Spain: Selection Criteria for Pre-World Championship

25 April 2012

Consideration will be given the results in the following competitions for horses and riders:

The raid Spain Championship CEI 3 * to be held on June 9, 2012.

Tests 160km CEI 3 * held in Spain, France, Belgium and the UK

until June 24, 2012. 

To be considered for screening, the binomial testing should be completed at a minimum speed of 15 km / h. May be considered also some evidence to decide on an individual by the coach in 2012 for individual pairs.

The ranking its use as a guide to determine differences between horses with results next. Also, take into account the horses and riders on their own merits (results above) to confirm their status as evidence to decide individually between owners, riders and coach.

We must accept the commitment papers of incorporation to discharge plan

competition that can be found in the section of regulations section RAID Web RFHE.com.

The criteria for the FEI World Championship to contest all raid in UNITED

KINGDOM are:

1. A 160km test at least 14 km / h by the team (together) in the 24

months before the test.

2. The horse must be at least 8 years to compete in a championship.

3. The horse must have completed 3 CEI 2 * or higher (including test point 1).

4. The rider or rider must have completed 5 CEI 2 * or higher (including test

paragraph 1).

* Any changes in national or FEI criteria will be decided by the coach.

South Africa: It's in the Blood!

Perseveranceendurancehorses Blog

24 April 2012

It was a super successful weekend at the OVK Endurance Challenge for the team from Perseverance Arabian & Endurance Horses. Seven horses were entered, with five riders and four grooms, and six finished, with two 3rd places, one 2nd place and one 1st place!

This year, the ride – hosted by the Lormar stud and sponsored by OVK – was held over two days, with 80km, 120km and stepladder distances on both days. The ride was well attended with around seventy entries, including TV stars Barry Armitage and Joe Dawson, from SABC3′s THE RIDE. Barry and Joe were riding Lormar horses in their bid to qualify to enter the Fauresmith 201km national ride in July.

The highlight of Friday the 13th was a racing finish between father & son pair, Pieter & Lourens Marais in the 80km distance! Both were riding in the Heavyweight category, and shared the honours at the end, with Pieter taking 1st place, and Lourens taking Best Condition.

For Team PSV, Ashley Gower and PSV Mauser – standing at number 3 on the ERASA horse rankings – placed 3rd Young Rider in the 80km, while Francois Seegers rode PSV Nile out of novice with a good 80km stepladder. To round the day off for Perseverance, work experience rider Joy Webster did a 60km stepladder on PSV Medina.

On Saturday, third cousins Laura Seegers and Wesley Hayes dashed around the 80km together in the fastest time of the weekend. Wesley also breeds Arabians, and has the Olford Stud in Queenstown… it must be in the bloodline!

Laura was riding PSV Mabruk – currently at number 2 on the ERASA overall horse rankings – and finished in a time of 4h03min. Laura and Wesley crossed the line together with Laura winning Standardweights and Wesley winning Heavyweights. Mabruk trotted off with the Best Condition for that ride AND the Best of the Best award for the weekend’s events!

In his second 80km of the weekend, Ashley Gower and PSV Liberty took 3rd place Young Rider, and Donalyn Hennessey on PSV Ibis came 2nd in the Standardweights.

The 1st Lightweight place in the 80km was taken by Baba Sintu on Alicedale Hidalgo, while 1st and 2nd places in the Young Rider category went to sisters Jenna and Kirsty Masterson from the Hofmeyr club. It was another thrilling finish to the 120km, where Young Rider Rory Rous was chasing fellow YR Ninine Erasmus, and caught up with her on the last leg to sccop 1st place and Best Condition.

Sharp eyes may have spotted that Mauser is back in competition...

Read more here:
http://perseveranceendurancehorses.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/its-in-the-bloodlines-13-14-april-2012/

Australia: Chef d'Equipe Application Date Extended

April 25 2012

Equestrian Australia are calling for applications for the position of Chef d’Equipe for the World Endurance Championships to be held at Euston Park, Great Britain, in August 2012.

The job description, resume template and nomination form are available from the AERA Secretary, Ieva Peters, email: ieva.peters@bigpond.com or from the AERA website.

Applications must be to the Equestrian Australia (National Office) by no later than 30th April 2012.

View/download the job description, resume template and nomination form or contact the AERA Secretary, Ieva Peters, email: ieva.peters@bigpond.com or from the AERA website.

Regards,
Ieva Peters
60445

Belgium: Mont-Le-Soie Pre-Ride

April 24 2012

On the saturday 28th and sunday 29th of April, Mont Le Soie will organize a series of competitions for senior and young riders, all in FEI classes. This will be a unique opportunity for the national squads to discover the competition.

Everyone knows of course how important it is to prepare well in advance all details concerning their participation to a big event.  

On the saturday 28th of April, 5 international competitions:
° CEI**YR120km and CEI*YR100km
° CEI***160km
° CEI**120km and CEI*100km  

On the sunday 29th of April, 3 international competitions:
° CEI**120km
° CEI*100km
° CEI*YR100km

The startlist for the pre-ride is now available here.

Mongolia: Globetrotting - Getting Under the Skin

Globetrotting1.wordpress.com - Full Article

April 23 2012

The girl’s cheeks are flushed beetroot red, her half moon eyes bright with anticipation as her wiry bay pony jigs around in a circle. Shadows of her horse’s ribs are visible beneath the make-shift saddle, a stirrup-less foam pad that is secured by a rawhide girth strap. The number nine is pinned to her back and chest. She is one of 20 child jockeys that will be competing in the Naadam Festival race held in a remote northern region of Mongolia. The child jockeys are stone faced with concentration as they trot their dread-locked, wild-eyed ponies past the group of onlookers.

The children start to sing in mid-trot. Their high-pitched voices echo across the lonely steppe. Our interpreter Molor explains, “they’re worshipping their sky father and giving thanks to the horse.” It’s a haunting, high-pitched chorus that ebbs and flows with intensity as they amble past.

My husband, our two good friends and I were at the beginning of a 19-day horse-riding adventure, where we trekked deep within the remote Darhat Valley, only accessible by horse, reindeer or foot. We were in search of the Tssatan people while getting a taste of a nomad’s life. To arrive in time to see Naadam festivities we jumped on an overnight train, hitched a ride on a regional flight and spent half a day in a Russian army van to reach the windswept town of Khatgal. It’s the frontier town to Lake Khovsgol National Park, the deepest lake in central Asia.

Naadam is a traditional type of festival in Mongolia held in country towns like Khatgal during the midsummer holidays. Translated as ‘the three games of men’, it includes Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery.

The dust cloud on the steppe signified that the 25-kilometre horse race had begun...

Read more here:
http://globetrotting1.wordpress.com/tag/endurance-riding-mongolia/